pl00peh91 Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Sorry this is a bit of a rant, but how on Earth are we expected to make any level of progress when our forwards are routinely expected to score three goals for us to win the game? We have Kalas and Klose, two CBs who have both secured promotion out of the Championship before playing in a defence which is more porous than a house on a flood plane during Storm Eunice. We signed Danny Simpson for absolutely no reason whatsoever despite our financial difficulties and have chosen instead to rely on youth to fill the RB / RWB spot instead. We are five points worse off after 35 games than last season and in my view the only reason the defence is getting relatively easy ride from the fans in terms of criticism is because the bottom 3 are probably the worst we have seen in the Championship in living memory, and two out of the bottom four have suffered points deductions. This time last year Rotherham were 22nd with 32 points, for example. You are welcome to tell me I am being overly negative and I appreciate our young players have improved a lot, and that our future looks brighter than it did 12 months ago. But is it too much to ask to watch our team keep a clean sheet for once in a while, especially given the level of experience within the CB position? Kalas cost £8m and Dasilva cost a packet too I think - it really shouldn’t be as bad as it is. Anyway, rant over and enjoy your evening! 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Robin Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 (edited) Having Baker injured, Atkinson injured, Tanner injured, Dasilva not playing on his preferred side and a midfield without experienced players (both King and James out) partly justifies our defensive frailty. Tactics are also an element to consider, because a more attacking set-up can bring also more defensive exposure. That being said, some errors could have been avoided here and there, and I agree about Simpson. However, based on recent performances, I also think that we collected less points than we deserved (and refereeings didn't help). Edited February 26, 2022 by Dan Robin 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finley_Smith10 Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 30 minutes ago, pl00peh91 said: Sorry this is a bit of a rant, but how on Earth are we expected to make any level of progress when our forwards are routinely expected to score three goals for us to win the game? We have Kalas and Klose, two CBs who have both secured promotion out of the Championship before playing in a defence which is more porous than a house on a flood plane during Storm Eunice. We signed Danny Simpson for absolutely no reason whatsoever despite our financial difficulties and have chosen instead to rely on youth to fill the RB / RWB spot instead. We are five points worse off after 35 games than last season and in my view the only reason the defence is getting relatively easy ride from the fans in terms of criticism is because the bottom 3 are probably the worst we have seen in the Championship in living memory, and two out of the bottom four have suffered points deductions. This time last year Rotherham were 22nd with 32 points, for example. You are welcome to tell me I am being overly negative and I appreciate our young players have improved a lot, and that our future looks brighter than it did 12 months ago. But is it too much to ask to watch our team keep a clean sheet for once in a while, especially given the level of experience within the CB position? Kalas cost £8m and Dasilva cost a packet too I think - it really shouldn’t be as bad as it is. Anyway, rant over and enjoy your evening! You’re right, theres a lot of positives atm, for example the better performances and youth coming through. However the goals conceded is a joke tbh, somethings got to change Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curr Avon Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 32 minutes ago, pl00peh91 said: Sorry this is a bit of a rant, but how on Earth are we expected to make any level of progress when our forwards are routinely expected to score three goals for us to win the game? We have Kalas and Klose, two CBs who have both secured promotion out of the Championship before playing in a defence which is more porous than a house on a flood plane during Storm Eunice. We signed Danny Simpson for absolutely no reason whatsoever despite our financial difficulties and have chosen instead to rely on youth to fill the RB / RWB spot instead. We are five points worse off after 35 games than last season and in my view the only reason the defence is getting relatively easy ride from the fans in terms of criticism is because the bottom 3 are probably the worst we have seen in the Championship in living memory, and two out of the bottom four have suffered points deductions. This time last year Rotherham were 22nd with 32 points, for example. You are welcome to tell me I am being overly negative and I appreciate our young players have improved a lot, and that our future looks brighter than it did 12 months ago. But is it too much to ask to watch our team keep a clean sheet for once in a while, especially given the level of experience within the CB position? Kalas cost £8m and Dasilva cost a packet too I think - it really shouldn’t be as bad as it is. Anyway, rant over and enjoy your evening! Another cheerful post! Thank you for being a friend. Over to you Andrew... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pl00peh91 Posted February 26, 2022 Author Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, Curr Avon said: Another cheerful post! Thank you for being a friend. Over to you Andrew.. Football is an emotive sport and sometimes you just need to vent mate. At least my post wasn’t ladened with sarcasm. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The turtle Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 (edited) First you have to figure out the problem. Crosses we aren't great Stopping crosses aren't great Our way of marking corners isn't great. We run out of steam at the end of game ............... The ones above are pretty basic. The ones below need to be solved throughout rest of season and summer. ............... Does our defence get enough protection from midfield? How are we in transition, do players actually know their jobs, are they the right jobs? Where do we press, how and when? How do we stop so much time in our own half? ................ Some of it is individual errors. But some of it comes down to management decisions. Either way right now it's not great, Step one for me.... Players going all out to stop those crosses + players being so much better in owning our own box Edited February 26, 2022 by The turtle 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curr Avon Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, pl00peh91 said: Football is an emotive sport and sometimes you just need to vent mate. At least my post wasn’t ladened with sarcasm. No worries, I've vented aplenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_BCFC Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Difference with this and last season is the 2nd half of last we were a joke whereas (today apart) we have shown signs we are improving. I agree the defence needs work but in all honesty this season is dead and it’s about blooding youngsters and trying to think about next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 I remain supportive of Nigel but the one thing I expected from him this season was an improvement in our defensive record. So far little or no sign of that so it's fair to ask questions of him. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 When our front line are off song , which they have been for the last two games ,the defence isn’t resilient enough to compensate. It is incredible how easy it is for the opponents to score against us. Would we believe better sacrificing one of our forwards to put an extra defender in away from home at least? 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, chinapig said: I remain supportive of Nigel but the one thing I expected from him this season was an improvement in our defensive record. So far little or no sign of that so it's fair to ask questions of him. I thought we would get tough to beat and perhaps be a bit ‘ workmanlike’ as we developed our base. The goals and entertainment would be the final part of the jigsaw but I have never known us so easy to score against. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBW Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Probably worth considering not playing a back three. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon bristol Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 8 minutes ago, TBW said: Probably worth considering not playing a back three. I dont think it matters how many we play back there, there is no appetite to actually defend and be hard to beat. We have 2 experienced international centre backs now, a decent championship keeper behind them, and it still makes no difference! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coin-op Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 I know Kalas is seen as a god by some on here but I will be very glad to see the back of him! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
And Its Smith Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 33 minutes ago, TBW said: Probably worth considering not playing a back three. Started with a back four today from what I could see 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, And Its Smith said: Started with a back four today from what I could see Yep, 4-diamond-2….as most of us thought pre-game was both the right eleven and set-up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniro Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 (edited) It does seem that the Simpson signing has not got the scrutiny it deserves. At the time it made a lot of sense. We are so weak in that position. Is he injured? Edited February 26, 2022 by Daniro Sp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 6 minutes ago, Daniro said: It does seem that the Simpson signing has not got the scrutiny it deserves. At the time it made a lot of sense. We are so weak in that position. Is he injured? It's a question that should be asked but I doubt anybody will have the nerve. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 hour ago, pl00peh91 said: Football is an emotive sport and sometimes you just need to vent mate. At least my post wasn’t ladened with sarcasm. Don't upset the sycophantic fanboys whatever you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, chinapig said: It's a question that should be asked but I doubt anybody will have the nerve. There is absolutely no accountability. A total free hand. It may work ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 13 minutes ago, Davefevs said: Yep, 4-diamond-2….as most of us thought pre-game was both the right eleven and set-up. We do not have the personnel available for a back four. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 7 minutes ago, VT05763 said: We do not have the personnel available for a back four. Depends who you select, where. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, Davefevs said: Depends who you select, where. We don't have a right back - very basic issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 minutes ago, VT05763 said: We don't have a right back - very basic issue. We have Simpson. What was the point of bringing him here? Another pointless signing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 minutes ago, Super said: We have Simpson. What was the point of bringing him here? Another pointless signing. He is a £7000 a week "mascot". Only here as a favour by the looks of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 8 minutes ago, VT05763 said: We don't have a right back - very basic issue. We do, but each of them is out of form or out of favour, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, Davefevs said: We do, but each of them is out of form or out of favour, etc. Correct , so don't set up with a back four. Astonishing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 minutes ago, VT05763 said: Correct , so don't set up with a back four. Astonishing. We don’t have a wingback, so what do you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillies Downs Leeds Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 13 minutes ago, VT05763 said: We don't have a right back - very basic issue. We have Kalas who was a right back in a promotion team. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 minutes ago, VT05763 said: Correct , so don't set up with a back four. Astonishing. Yep, we played Sam Bell there last week v Boro….that was ok. We played Dasilva there on Tuesday…that was ok. You can’t have your cake and eat it? So was it astonishing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, Davefevs said: We don’t have a wingback, so what do you do? Scott wing back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, Davefevs said: Yep, we played Sam Bell there last week v Boro….that was ok. We played Dasilva there on Tuesday…that was ok. You can’t have your cake and eat it? So was it astonishing? I never said it was alright to play an 18 year old centre forward at right back !! Yes astonishing but not surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDOXO Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 hours ago, pl00peh91 said: Sorry this is a bit of a rant, but how on Earth are we expected to make any level of progress when our forwards are routinely expected to score three goals for us to win the game? We have Kalas and Klose, two CBs who have both secured promotion out of the Championship before playing in a defence which is more porous than a house on a flood plane during Storm Eunice. We signed Danny Simpson for absolutely no reason whatsoever despite our financial difficulties and have chosen instead to rely on youth to fill the RB / RWB spot instead. We are five points worse off after 35 games than last season and in my view the only reason the defence is getting relatively easy ride from the fans in terms of criticism is because the bottom 3 are probably the worst we have seen in the Championship in living memory, and two out of the bottom four have suffered points deductions. This time last year Rotherham were 22nd with 32 points, for example. You are welcome to tell me I am being overly negative and I appreciate our young players have improved a lot, and that our future looks brighter than it did 12 months ago. But is it too much to ask to watch our team keep a clean sheet for once in a while, especially given the level of experience within the CB position? Kalas cost £8m and Dasilva cost a packet too I think - it really shouldn’t be as bad as it is. Anyway, rant over and enjoy your evening! Yes it is annoying, but we defended crosses well today. Their first was a deflection, although Pring was being roasted, the second they got around us and we didn’t close the shooter quickly enough. However we were rubbish going forward. I never quite get the constant references to what is seemingly a signing that never came off. Eff me we have made a bloody hobby of it over the last five years but somehow Danny bloody Simpson is the tragic error. The list of bollox that Lee Johnson purchased for multi millions is endless and was a factor in why Simpson was brought in. He’s Not played granted, but I would rather play our boys in what is a chance to blood them that was not offorded to our kids in such a way since Alan Dicks. As for Danny Simpson, hopefully he effs off as soon as possible so I don’t have to read his name again Rant over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 9 minutes ago, VT05763 said: Scott wing back. 6 minutes ago, VT05763 said: I never said it was alright to play an 18 year old centre forward at right back !! Yes astonishing but not surprised. Feels like you’re jumping on a defeat to have a dig, with an argument that you could’ve last week, but because we won, you couldn’t make it. Would give you more credit if you’d made the argument in the last week, and had courage in your conviction / logic. Instead you just wait for a defeat. We are trying to “get by”, it’s sub-optimal….shit happens. I’m happy to be patient. I’m happy to accept sub-optimal / inconsistency at this point of the rebuild. Fine if you aren’t. 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Davefevs said: Feels like you’re jumping on a defeat to have a dig, with an argument that you could’ve last week, but because we won, you couldn’t make it. Would give you more credit if you’d made the argument in the last week, and had courage in your conviction / logic. Instead you just wait for a defeat. We are trying to “get by”, it’s sub-optimal….shit happens. I’m happy to be patient. I’m happy to accept sub-optimal / inconsistency at this point of the rebuild. Fine if you aren’t. So you agree we shouldn't be playing 18 year old centre forwards at fight back ? When we have an actual right back signed last season on £7000 a week(ish) sat at home ? Look back at my comments on a back four with this squad. Been consistent I think you'll find. "sub-optimal" - Brilliant !! Edited February 26, 2022 by VT05763 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, VT05763 said: So you agree we shouldn't be playing 18 year old centre forwards at fight back ? Look back at my comments on a back four with this squad. Been consistent I think you'll find. "sub-optimal" - Brilliant !! I’m an ideal world, no we shouldn’t. But there are reasons why we are, they are reasons why we are playing a left back at right back. what’s your point re the term “sub-optimal”? I know your comments on a back 4. Formation, back three or back 4 have not really made any difference to results have they? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizyer Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, TBW said: Probably worth considering not playing a back three. How about a back 8 the way we're shipping goals Edited February 26, 2022 by Bizyer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxjak Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Davefevs.....you are fighting your corner very well.........I give you a win on points (Literally) Ha!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, Davefevs said: I’m an ideal world, no we shouldn’t. But there are reasons why we are, they are reasons why we are playing a left back at right back. what’s your point re the term “sub-optimal”? I know your comments on a back 4. Formation, back three or back 4 have not really made any difference to results have they? We have the players for a back 3 (not a back 4). The players need to be coached and organised better in the only system we can put out with the individuals left at the club. Playing an 18 year old centre forward at right back should never be an option. We are dealing in lesser of evils here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDOXO Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Back 3/4/5 etc etc. if we make errors it doesn’t matter. Pring was toasted and we didn’t get anyone in front of the shot for the second. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 minutes ago, Davefevs said: I’m an ideal world, no we shouldn’t. But there are reasons why we are, they are reasons why we are playing a left back at right back. what’s your point re the term “sub-optimal”? I know your comments on a back 4. Formation, back three or back 4 have not really made any difference to results have they? No doubt there are reasons, particularly Tanner's absence, but it would be nice to know why Simpson was signed ,presumably as a player Nigel trusted, yet we play a whole series of makeshift options at right back. Not that I expect anyone to have the nerve to ask Nigel so I expect Simpson will leave quietly in the summer and no more will be said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 7 minutes ago, VT05763 said: We have the players for a back 3 (not a back 4). The players need to be coached and organised better in the only system we can put out with the individuals left at the club. Playing an 18 year old centre forward at right back should never be an option. We are dealing in lesser of evils here. I disagree. By the very same token, we would have to play players at WBs who aren’t WBs, Alex Scott for starters. I love the fact that he’s done really well playing there, but he’s not a WB. FWIW I don’t think Jay Dasilva is a WB either, but I accept others may have a different view. O’Dowda isn’t either. I’m not sure it is the lesser of two evils…I think it’s more correlated to not having our best players available…and back three or back makes very little difference. We aren’t at a maturity of rebuild where we can switch systems and expect it to define a result / performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 5 minutes ago, chinapig said: No doubt there are reasons, particularly Tanner's absence, but it would be nice to know why Simpson was signed ,presumably as a player Nigel trusted, yet we play a whole series of makeshift options at right back. Not that I expect anyone to have the nerve to ask Nigel so I expect Simpson will leave quietly in the summer and no more will be said. Over to you @VT05763, you’re the man with the inside line at Failand? Of course if it’s sensitive then I wouldn’t expect you to divulge anything. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, Davefevs said: I disagree. By the very same token, we would have to play players at WBs who aren’t WBs, Alex Scott for starters. I love the fact that he’s done really well playing there, but he’s not a WB. FWIW I don’t think Jay Dasilva is a WB either, but I accept others may have a different view. O’Dowda isn’t either. I’m not sure it is the lesser of two evils…I think it’s more correlated to not having our best players available…and back three or back makes very little difference. We aren’t at a maturity of rebuild where we can switch systems and expect it to define a result / performance. Agree to disagree then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 minutes ago, Davefevs said: Over to you @VT05763, you’re the man with the inside line at Failand? Of course if it’s sensitive then I wouldn’t expect you to divulge anything. You must have it on your "waste of money signings" spread sheet surely ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 6 minutes ago, VT05763 said: You must have it on your "waste of money signings" spread sheet surely ? Poor signing. Saw the logic at the time. Hope to see better recruitment this summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, Davefevs said: Poor signing. Saw the logic at the time. Hope to see better recruitment this summer. Poor signing indeed but that still leaves the question of why Nigel signed a player he presumably knows well but now passes him over in favour of picking almost anybody out of position at right back. Is that not a legitimate question? It's perfectly possible to be pro Nigel but still question some of his decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Just now, Davefevs said: Poor signing. Saw the logic at the time. Hope to see better recruitment this summer. On this I agree but apart from it seemed obvious a player who couldn't get into relegation dodging Huddersfields team was in no way an upgrade on Hunt at RB. Not sure he is cheaper either ? must be quite the entertainer behind the scenes. The recruitment has to be spot on this Summer, probably going to have to sell at least one, maybe 2 of Scott, Bentley, HNM, Seymenyo and Weimann to fund future NP wants. We may get something from Webster, Kelly and Brownhill sales also. Not saying he can't do it and he has next to no budget so far so difficult to judge but Simpson is definitely a "red flag" and needs to be a one off. We will have to get some sort of recruitment department in place though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, chinapig said: Poor signing indeed but that still leaves the question of why Nigel signed a player he presumably knows well but now passes him over in favour of picking almost anybody out of position at right back. Is that not a legitimate question? It's perfectly possible to be pro Nigel but still question some of his decisions. Is that not a legitimate question? It's perfectly possible to be pro Nigel but still question some of his decisions. Careful !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 1 minute ago, VT05763 said: Is that not a legitimate question? It's perfectly possible to be pro Nigel but still question some of his decisions. Careful !! Why careful? I don't think anybody thinks it is forbidden to question Nigel sometimes while still thinking he is the right man for the job. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waconda Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 10 minutes ago, chinapig said: Why careful? I don't think anybody thinks it is forbidden to question Nigel sometimes while still thinking he is the right man for the job. You don't think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 47 minutes ago, chinapig said: Poor signing indeed but that still leaves the question of why Nigel signed a player he presumably knows well but now passes him over in favour of picking almost anybody out of position at right back. Is that not a legitimate question? It's perfectly possible to be pro Nigel but still question some of his decisions. Could it be that NP realises that Simpson is no longer up to the task and therefore won’t risk him in the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 hours ago, chinapig said: Poor signing indeed but that still leaves the question of why Nigel signed a player he presumably knows well but now passes him over in favour of picking almost anybody out of position at right back. Is that not a legitimate question? It's perfectly possible to be pro Nigel but still question some of his decisions. Of course it is. the rest of this post (waffle?) is a general set of comments, not aimed at anyone. I’m pro-Nige, but he’s made mistakes. You’d have to be a bit bonkers to not see any faults though. Some of those mistakes are likely to be shown-up because of many reasons…call them excuses if you like My position is that I can see beyond faults, I look at other things too, not just results and performances. I do think the “club” would be worse off at this stage without him guiding us through. I set what I think was a reasonable expectation level at the start of the season. Whilst letting 10+ players go, several fans were saying we needed 10-12 new signings. The reality is that they were probably right. The problem was that we couldn’t afford 10-12 new signings (and I’m not talking Baker or Weimann re-signings either). It’s why when I wrote for the Bristol Post pre-season that I thought we’d make 4 or 5 signings and striker would be the lowest priority. If you have a reasonable understanding of the financial position you realise Nige’s hands are tied. And that drove my expectation level, middle-eight, but likely to be bottom end of it. Which is where we are. This is what I wrote in part of that piece: If you were in charge of Bristol City’s recruitment this summer, where would you be strengthening and why? I’d start at the back and in particular the spine. Assuming Danny Simpson signs his contract, I’d move Zak Vyner to right-back and let him and Simpson cover that slot. That’s one less position to recruit, leaving the focus on Centre-Back. Currently we are left with Tomas Kalas and Taylor Moore, backed up by the ever-improving Robbie Cundy. He can force his way into first-team plans with a good pre-season, but I want two new central defenders, one of which must be dominant in the air. More on that later! From there I move into central midfield, where although City have Joe Williams, Tyreeq Bakinson, Han-Noah Massengo and Adam Nagy in the more conventional midfield roles, I would like one more. That one would ideally be more in the mould of Williams, and you can see why Matty James has been mentioned in dispatches. I’d be all over Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall though, surely Pearson can use his Leicester connections, and will already know “KDH”. As strikers are usually the most costly and the good ones are courted by clubs further up the pecking order, I will be content to go into the season with Wells and Martin, backed up by a couple of the young-guns. Take your pick of two from four (Conway, who I really rate, Britton, Bell and Janneh). Not forgetting Antoine Semenyo, who if we play 4231 is naturally suited to play in one of the wide positions in the attacking midfield three. If we go 433, then he is suited to the wide forward role. If Andi Weimann accepts our contract offer, I think we have enough. That leaves me one more position to fill, and that’s either a left back, or a left midfielder, preferably one who can do both. Cam Pring or George Nurse might save me having to cover left back (behind Jay Dasilva) if they can push themselves forward early in pre-season. But I’d like some competition for Callum O’Dowda. Someone like Marvin Johnson, recently released by Middlesbrough would fit the bill. I see posts on here and twitter saying things like “what excuse did the messiah come up with today” or “careful, don’t criticise Nige”, yet I’m not sure where those comments come from. Come and debate / discuss it, trying to influence a change of opinion is fine, but also be prepared to get the opposite back in response. I just find it easier to not get too high after a win (or good performance) or too low after a defeat (or poor performance). 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City oz Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 9 hours ago, Davefevs said: Of course it is. the rest of this post (waffle?) is a general set of comments, not aimed at anyone. I’m pro-Nige, but he’s made mistakes. You’d have to be a bit bonkers to not see any faults though. Some of those mistakes are likely to be shown-up because of many reasons…call them excuses if you like My position is that I can see beyond faults, I look at other things too, not just results and performances. I do think the “club” would be worse off at this stage without him guiding us through. I set what I think was a reasonable expectation level at the start of the season. Whilst letting 10+ players go, several fans were saying we needed 10-12 new signings. The reality is that they were probably right. The problem was that we couldn’t afford 10-12 new signings (and I’m not talking Baker or Weimann re-signings either). It’s why when I wrote for the Bristol Post pre-season that I thought we’d make 4 or 5 signings and striker would be the lowest priority. If you have a reasonable understanding of the financial position you realise Nige’s hands are tied. And that drove my expectation level, middle-eight, but likely to be bottom end of it. Which is where we are. This is what I wrote in part of that piece: If you were in charge of Bristol City’s recruitment this summer, where would you be strengthening and why? I’d start at the back and in particular the spine. Assuming Danny Simpson signs his contract, I’d move Zak Vyner to right-back and let him and Simpson cover that slot. That’s one less position to recruit, leaving the focus on Centre-Back. Currently we are left with Tomas Kalas and Taylor Moore, backed up by the ever-improving Robbie Cundy. He can force his way into first-team plans with a good pre-season, but I want two new central defenders, one of which must be dominant in the air. More on that later! From there I move into central midfield, where although City have Joe Williams, Tyreeq Bakinson, Han-Noah Massengo and Adam Nagy in the more conventional midfield roles, I would like one more. That one would ideally be more in the mould of Williams, and you can see why Matty James has been mentioned in dispatches. I’d be all over Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall though, surely Pearson can use his Leicester connections, and will already know “KDH”. As strikers are usually the most costly and the good ones are courted by clubs further up the pecking order, I will be content to go into the season with Wells and Martin, backed up by a couple of the young-guns. Take your pick of two from four (Conway, who I really rate, Britton, Bell and Janneh). Not forgetting Antoine Semenyo, who if we play 4231 is naturally suited to play in one of the wide positions in the attacking midfield three. If we go 433, then he is suited to the wide forward role. If Andi Weimann accepts our contract offer, I think we have enough. That leaves me one more position to fill, and that’s either a left back, or a left midfielder, preferably one who can do both. Cam Pring or George Nurse might save me having to cover left back (behind Jay Dasilva) if they can push themselves forward early in pre-season. But I’d like some competition for Callum O’Dowda. Someone like Marvin Johnson, recently released by Middlesbrough would fit the bill. I see posts on here and twitter saying things like “what excuse did the messiah come up with today” or “careful, don’t criticise Nige”, yet I’m not sure where those comments come from. Come and debate / discuss it, trying to influence a change of opinion is fine, but also be prepared to get the opposite back in response. I just find it easier to not get too high after a win (or good performance) or too low after a defeat (or poor performance). Your post brings things down to earth. Thank you Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 13 hours ago, Davefevs said: Of course it is. the rest of this post (waffle?) is a general set of comments, not aimed at anyone. I’m pro-Nige, but he’s made mistakes. You’d have to be a bit bonkers to not see any faults though. Some of those mistakes are likely to be shown-up because of many reasons…call them excuses if you like My position is that I can see beyond faults, I look at other things too, not just results and performances. I do think the “club” would be worse off at this stage without him guiding us through. I set what I think was a reasonable expectation level at the start of the season. Whilst letting 10+ players go, several fans were saying we needed 10-12 new signings. The reality is that they were probably right. The problem was that we couldn’t afford 10-12 new signings (and I’m not talking Baker or Weimann re-signings either). It’s why when I wrote for the Bristol Post pre-season that I thought we’d make 4 or 5 signings and striker would be the lowest priority. If you have a reasonable understanding of the financial position you realise Nige’s hands are tied. And that drove my expectation level, middle-eight, but likely to be bottom end of it. Which is where we are. This is what I wrote in part of that piece: If you were in charge of Bristol City’s recruitment this summer, where would you be strengthening and why? I’d start at the back and in particular the spine. Assuming Danny Simpson signs his contract, I’d move Zak Vyner to right-back and let him and Simpson cover that slot. That’s one less position to recruit, leaving the focus on Centre-Back. Currently we are left with Tomas Kalas and Taylor Moore, backed up by the ever-improving Robbie Cundy. He can force his way into first-team plans with a good pre-season, but I want two new central defenders, one of which must be dominant in the air. More on that later! From there I move into central midfield, where although City have Joe Williams, Tyreeq Bakinson, Han-Noah Massengo and Adam Nagy in the more conventional midfield roles, I would like one more. That one would ideally be more in the mould of Williams, and you can see why Matty James has been mentioned in dispatches. I’d be all over Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall though, surely Pearson can use his Leicester connections, and will already know “KDH”. As strikers are usually the most costly and the good ones are courted by clubs further up the pecking order, I will be content to go into the season with Wells and Martin, backed up by a couple of the young-guns. Take your pick of two from four (Conway, who I really rate, Britton, Bell and Janneh). Not forgetting Antoine Semenyo, who if we play 4231 is naturally suited to play in one of the wide positions in the attacking midfield three. If we go 433, then he is suited to the wide forward role. If Andi Weimann accepts our contract offer, I think we have enough. That leaves me one more position to fill, and that’s either a left back, or a left midfielder, preferably one who can do both. Cam Pring or George Nurse might save me having to cover left back (behind Jay Dasilva) if they can push themselves forward early in pre-season. But I’d like some competition for Callum O’Dowda. Someone like Marvin Johnson, recently released by Middlesbrough would fit the bill. I see posts on here and twitter saying things like “what excuse did the messiah come up with today” or “careful, don’t criticise Nige”, yet I’m not sure where those comments come from. Come and debate / discuss it, trying to influence a change of opinion is fine, but also be prepared to get the opposite back in response. I just find it easier to not get too high after a win (or good performance) or too low after a defeat (or poor performance). Thanks Dave, comprehensive stuff. Fwiw I read your piece at the time and agreed with it. Fans always want to sign strikers as its the glamour position but the priority was, and disappointingly still is, improving our defence. Even if Wells leaves and assuming Semenyo stays I don't expect us to sign a striker as it will give Conway a chance to step up. Of course nobody is going to ask the question about Simpson and Nigel wouldn't and couldn't answer it anyway. But in a sense he already has since his approach is very much anybody will do at right back as long as it isn't Simpson! So a bad signing but at least it was a cheap bad signing. And for the avoidance of doubt I am not among the kind of people you quote, as I hope my posts show. Am I delighted with how Nigel has transformed us as an attacking force? Yes. Am I disappointed and surprised he has yet to improve our defending? Yes. Do I believe he will fix things given time? Definitely. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 20 minutes ago, chinapig said: Thanks Dave, comprehensive stuff. Fwiw I read your piece at the time and agreed with it. Fans always want to sign strikers as its the glamour position but the priority was, and disappointingly still is, improving our defence. Even if Wells leaves and assuming Semenyo stays I don't expect us to sign a striker as it will give Conway a chance to step up. Of course nobody is going to ask the question about Simpson and Nigel wouldn't and couldn't answer it anyway. But in a sense he already has since his approach is very much anybody will do at right back as long as it isn't Simpson! So a bad signing but at least it was a cheap bad signing. And for the avoidance of doubt I am not among the kind of people you quote, as I hope my posts show. Am I delighted with how Nigel has transformed us as an attacking force? Yes. Am I disappointed and surprised he has yet to improve our defending? Yes. Do I believe he will fix things given time? Definitely. Yeah, I know you’re not, hence why I added a little line before I went into waffle mode! I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask “Nige, you’ve recently played both Sam Bell and Jay Dasilva on the right side of your defence, is there a reason why Danny Simpson, a regular in the 18 until December, hadn’t been included at any point?”. No he’d to to ask if any injuries, falling out, have his legs gone, stuff, just keep the question short and open. Don’t get him on the defensive with a “was it a bad signing” Let Nige open up. He might come back with a simple, short answer, I.e. he hasn’t been able to show enough ton the training ground, or he’s picked up an injury that he’s struggling with. But at least ask the Q. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 Just now, Davefevs said: Yeah, I know you’re not, hence why I added a little line before I went into waffle mode! I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask “Nige, you’ve recently played both Sam Bell and Jay Dasilva on the right side of your defence, is there a reason why Danny Simpson, a regular in the 18 until December, hadn’t been included at any point?”. No he’d to to ask if any injuries, falling out, have his legs gone, stuff, just keep the question short and open. Don’t get him on the defensive with a “was it a bad signing” Let Nige open up. He might come back with a simple, short answer, I.e. he hasn’t been able to show enough ton the training ground, or he’s picked up an injury that he’s struggling with. But at least ask the Q. Oh sure, ask an open question, though Nigel can get terribly prickly even over perfectly reasonable questions so it takes a certain amount of courage to ask! But he isn't going to say he made a bad mistake and it turned out Simpson is crap, has a bad attitude or whatever even if that was the case. Nor should he arguably so it's probably academic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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